JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use DMVNow in standard view.
However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser.
To use standard view, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, then try again.
To get the best experience, you'll need to upgrade to a modern browser.

DMV News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Designate a Sober Driver for March CelebrationsPlan Ahead for Safe St. Patricks Day, NCAA Tournament

RICHMOND - With St. Patrick’s Day and the start of the NCAA basketball tournament just days apart this year, the Virginia Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is urging revelers to designate a sober driver before celebrating either event. Also, DMV reminds motorists to always buckle up; it's their best
defense against drunk drivers.

"We know that St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated, and the NCAA "March Madness" tournament has become a festive occasion,
as well," said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. "We want people who plan to
drink to designate a driver before the party starts. A designated driver must be a sober driver - one who decides not to
drink alcohol at all."

In 2012, March was second only to April for the number of alcohol-related crashes. There were 746 drunk-driving crashes last
March, including 6 fatalities and 511 injuries. On St. Patrick's Day last year in Virginia, there were 44 crashes with 37
injuries that were alcohol-related. On Patrick's Day in 2011,
there were 28 alcohol-related crashes, 15 alcohol-related injuries and one alcohol-related fatality in Virginia.

DMV recommends the following tips for a safe March celebration:

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

Designate a sober driver.

If you see an impaired driver on the road - keep your distance; pull over in a safe place and dial #77 if you are driving in Virginia to report it
to law enforcement.

If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are
going safely.

"There is plenty to celebrate in March, but no celebration should lead to a trip to the hospital, or worse," Holcomb said. "When you
drive impaired, not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an
arrest can be significant."

The tragedies from drunk driving are not limited to death, disfigurement, disability or injury. Convicted drunk drivers face
jail time, loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other expenses including attorney fees,
fines, court costs and lost time at work.